What happens when pain spreads across the whole body, when fatigue never goes away, and when doctors struggle to give a clear answer? For millions of people worldwide, this is not a hypothetical scenario—it is the daily reality of fibromyalgia.
A new monograph, Recent Advances in Fibromyalgia Treatment, written by Dr. Lili Yosifova and published by Varna Medical University Press, takes on this challenge. With the insight of a clinician, Dr. Yosifova explores the latest science behind fibromyalgia — from genetics and neuroimaging to therapies that combine medicine, rehabilitation, and psychology.
Fibromyalgia is far more common than many assume, affecting up to 6% of the global population, with women being particularly at risk. Its symptoms—chronic widespread pain, sleep disturbances, memory problems, depression, and anxiety—often remain misunderstood, making diagnosis and treatment both complicated and controversial.
What makes the book stand out is its scope: thirteen chapters that go far beyond standard treatment guidelines. Readers will find detailed analyses of cutting-edge methods such as neuromodulation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and laser acupuncture, alongside classic approaches like pharmacotherapy, physiotherapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Special attention is given to how fibromyalgia shapes patients’ daily lives and their mental health. The book even goes beyond medicine, addressing the economic burden carried by healthcare systems.
With references to over 250 recent international publications, the monograph presents both the global picture and the urgent need for more research and awareness in Bulgaria. As noted by medical reviewers, this book is a rare and valuable contribution to Bulgarian medical literature. It is expected to become an essential resource for rheumatologists, rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists, neurologists, psychologists, and other clinicians who face the hidden challenge of chronic pain syndromes.
With Recent Advances in Fibromyalgia Treatment, Varna Medical University Press continues its mission of presenting works that bridge science, practice, and social responsibility. This book does not just inform—it sparks curiosity, invites discussion, and most importantly, gives visibility to a condition that so often remains unseen.